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  • River Tales: Eagle Cove

    Connecticut River Museum 67 Main St, Essex, CT, United States

    Swing by the Connecticut River Museum for stories take-home craft activities that engage kids with the Connecticut River’s stunning wildlife and rich history! Perfect for young learners 4+ and their caregivers. Check in at the front desk upon arrival. It’s prime eagle-spotting season along the Connecticut River and Winter Wildlife cruises are in full swing! Soar on over to the Connecticut River Museum to learn all about eagle behavior and the important role they play in the ecosystem. A program just for kids 4+ and their caregivers, River Tales includes a story, a craft activity, and an opportunity to explore the Connecticut River Museum’s exhibits through a scavenger hunt. In March, we’ll read On Eagle Cove by Jane Yolen, a book following a child and her mother after they spot a pair of eagles mating and go on a journey to find eagle chicks. All River Tales reservations include Museum admission for one adult and one child and must be purchased in advance. Children MUST be accompanied by a parent/guardian during this event. Questions? Email lbdionne@ctrivermuseum.org

    $3

  • Scarecrow Contest sponsored by The Essex Board of Trade

    Recurring
    Essex Village

    The Essex Scarecrow Contest and FestiFall have become a much-loved community tradition, bringing creativity, fun, and local spirit to the Main Streets of Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton each fall! Every year, residents, businesses, and organizations design and build scarecrows to display on lamp posts throughout town. The scarecrows will be on display all October, so stroll the streets, snap photos, and share your favorites! Voting open until October 30th at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

    Free

  • Scarecrow Contest sponsored by The Essex Board of Trade

    Recurring
    Essex Village

    The Essex Scarecrow Contest and FestiFall have become a much-loved community tradition, bringing creativity, fun, and local spirit to the Main Streets of Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton each fall! Every year, residents, businesses, and organizations design and build scarecrows to display on lamp posts throughout town. The scarecrows will be on display all October, so stroll the streets, snap photos, and share your favorites! Voting open until October 30th at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

    Free

  • Scarecrow Contest sponsored by The Essex Board of Trade

    Recurring
    Essex Village

    The Essex Scarecrow Contest and FestiFall have become a much-loved community tradition, bringing creativity, fun, and local spirit to the Main Streets of Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton each fall! Every year, residents, businesses, and organizations design and build scarecrows to display on lamp posts throughout town. The scarecrows will be on display all October, so stroll the streets, snap photos, and share your favorites! Voting open until October 30th at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

    Free

  • Wiggle Worms Story Time (Ages Birth-3)

    Recurring
    Essex Library 33 West Ave, Essex, CT, United States

    A play-based music and movement story time for children and their caregivers! (Ages Birth-3) This story time will take place every Tuesday morning. Join us! No registration required. Due to space, Please choose 1 session per day to attend.

    Free

  • Scarecrow Contest sponsored by The Essex Board of Trade

    Recurring
    Essex Village

    The Essex Scarecrow Contest and FestiFall have become a much-loved community tradition, bringing creativity, fun, and local spirit to the Main Streets of Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton each fall! Every year, residents, businesses, and organizations design and build scarecrows to display on lamp posts throughout town. The scarecrows will be on display all October, so stroll the streets, snap photos, and share your favorites! Voting open until October 30th at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

    Free

  • Tuesday Night Trivia

    Recurring
    Essex Indoor Golf 23 Saybrook Road, Essex, CT, United States

    What’s better than “Taco Tuesday?” Tuesday Nite Trivia at Essex Indoor Golf Center! Join us in our clean, family-friendly atmosphere, against the backdrop of golfers playing courses from around the globe. And yes, you can even combine golf (or mini golf) AND trivia at the same time! Free admission, as well as prizes every week for the ‘smartest smarty pants’ might be enough to get you off the couch on a Tuesday night. Then, declare Tuesdays as a No-Cooking Nite when you order from our fantastic Grumpy Caddy menu, along with our extensive selection of beer, cocktails, and wine from our 35-foot custom bar…Tuesdays might just become your favorite day of the week. So, bring your friends, bring your family, bring your friends’ families! Call (959) 265-8979 or visit essexindoorgolf.com

    Free

  • Sensory Playtime (Ages Birth-5)

    Recurring
    Essex Library 33 West Ave, Essex, CT, United States

    Join us for a hands-on, child-led play session designed to engage the senses! Sensory Playtime encourages exploration, creativity, and early learning through touch, sound, and movement. Kids are invited to move from station to station, at their own pace, to scoop, squish, pour, and play with a variety of textures and materials in a safe, supportive space alongside their caregivers. This program supports sensory development, fine motor skills, and social interaction—come play, learn, and make a (little) mess with us! Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Program funded in part by the Community Foundation of Middlesex County, and made possible by the GSB Grant Making Fund, and the Whelen Family Fund. Registration is required for each individual session. Click here to register.

    Free

  • Adult Board Game Fun at Essex Library!

    Essex Library 33 West Ave, Essex, CT, United States

    Are you looking for a casual way to meet new people and socialize in a fun way? Visit the Essex Library this month to play a low-stress, engaging adult board game! Participants can choose from a variety of games including Parcheesi, Scrabble or Checkers, among other options. This program is FREE and open to the public at 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. No registration is necessary, drop-in!

    Free

  • Scarecrow Contest sponsored by The Essex Board of Trade

    Recurring
    Essex Village

    The Essex Scarecrow Contest and FestiFall have become a much-loved community tradition, bringing creativity, fun, and local spirit to the Main Streets of Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton each fall! Every year, residents, businesses, and organizations design and build scarecrows to display on lamp posts throughout town. The scarecrows will be on display all October, so stroll the streets, snap photos, and share your favorites! Voting open until October 30th at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

    Free

  • Virtual Author Talk: Unlock the Hidden Power of Dreams with Sleep Expert Michelle Carr

    Online

    Learn how to harness your dreams to improve your sleep and health with dream engineer Dr. Michelle Carr in this virtual author talk presented by Essex Library. In Nightmare Obscura, Dr. Carr unlocks the science behind the sleeping body. Drawing on her expertise in nightmares, lucid dreaming, and the cutting-edge field of dream engineering, she reveals how we can revolutionize our sleeping—and waking—health. REGISTER HERE.

    Free

  • All About Axolotls (Ages 5-12)

    Essex Library 33 West Ave, Essex, CT, United States

    Join educators from the Amphibian Reptile Center for their All About Axolotls presentation, filled with engaging education, hands-on fun, and fascinating facts to remember and share with friends and family. Participants will learn about axolotls’ origins in Aztec culture, the scientist whose laboratory discoveries have helped shape modern research, the responsibilities of caring for one as a pet, the three ways axolotls breathe, and how some can even glow! The Amphibian Reptile Center’s mission is to help change the world for people and animals who need it most. Serving as a voice for animals who cannot speak for themselves, the Center promotes proper care, health, and responsible ownership as top priorities. Through educational programs for all ages, the Amphibian Reptile Center aims to inspire individuals to be the change they wish to see and to work toward a more responsible and compassionate future for the reptile and amphibian community. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Registration is required. Click here to register.

    Free

  • EBOT Business After Hours at Pencil & Wool

    Pencil & Wool 12 Main Street Suite 6, Essex, CT, United States

    Join the Essex Board of Trade for our next Business After Hours, a relaxed time with light refreshments, great conversation, and the chance to explore one of our local member businesses. Date: March 11thTime: 5:30 to 7 pmPlace: Pencil & Wool,12 Main Street Suite 6, Essex, CT This event is a special perk for EBOT members, but if you're curious about joining, this is the perfect time to learn more! Membership connects you with our vibrant local business community, gives you a voice in town events, and offers valuable networking opportunities.  Learn how to become a member: https:// essexct.com/membership-2/

    Free

  • New Volunteer Open House

    Recurring
    Hills Academy 22 Prospect Street, Essex, CT, United States

    Interested in leaving your mark on Essex History? Then, please join us our Monthly Volunteer Open House! If you want to learn how to support EHS as a volunteer, please join us for this meet and greet. This is a no-commitment, hour long introduction to volunteerism with Essex Historical Society. One of our staff will give you a tour of Hills Academy and outline our volunteer positions including: Collections and research Education and Programming Event planning and fundraising Tour Guide for Pratt House and Walking Tours Maintenance of Gardens at Pratt House Preservation and up-keep of EHS’s two historic sites No need to RSVP, simply arrive at Hills Academy (22 Prospect Street, parking and entrance in rear) between 10:30-11:30 am, and we will give you the information. If you can’t join us this month, we hope to see you at the next Open House. Open Houses will be held in the same place, at the same time on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, unless otherwise noted.

    Free

  • Scarecrow Contest sponsored by The Essex Board of Trade

    Recurring
    Essex Village

    The Essex Scarecrow Contest and FestiFall have become a much-loved community tradition, bringing creativity, fun, and local spirit to the Main Streets of Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton each fall! Every year, residents, businesses, and organizations design and build scarecrows to display on lamp posts throughout town. The scarecrows will be on display all October, so stroll the streets, snap photos, and share your favorites! Voting open until October 30th at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

    Free

  • Lyman Allyn’s “American Perspectives” with Curator Tanya Pohrt

    Essex Library 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT, United States

    In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Lyman Allyn Curator Tanya Pohrt will present an illustrated lecture at Essex Library focusing on America’s 250, with dynamic stories and highlights from the Lyman Allyn’s collection. This lecture will preview a special installation opening in late April 2026 in the American Perspectives gallery showcasing recent acquisitions, seldom-seen objects from storage, and new research undertaken with Connecticut College students. This talk reflects on regional history, identity, and the complex shaping of American ideals in the Revolutionary era and beyond. This program is free and open to the public at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. Register by calling the library at 860-767-1560 or visiting the Events Calendar of youressexlibrary.org. About Tanya Pohrt: Tanya Pohrt has curated numerous exhibitions at the Lyman Allyn, including China from China: Porcelain and Stories of Early American Trade (2025), Beatrice Cuming: Connecticut Precisionist (2024), Barkley L. Hendricks in New London (2023), and The Way Sisters: Miniaturists of the Early Republic (2021- ’22), among other exhibitions, including the Museum’s long-term exhibition gallery Louis Comfort Tiffany in New London. Holding a Ph.D. in American Art History from the University of Delaware (received 2013), she was previously a Marcia Brady Tucker Fellow in American Paintings and Sculpture at the […]

    Free

  • Virtual Author Talk: Book Portals and Journeys of Literary Magic with Kate Quinn

    Online

    You’re invited to join us for a virtual conversation with acclaimed author Kate Quinn about her latest fantastical work, The Astral Library, which poses the question: Have you ever wished you could live inside a book? Welcome to the Astral Library, where books are not just objects, but doors to new worlds, new lives, and new futures. REGISTER HERE. or call the library at 860-767-1560.

    Free

  • Little Learners Story Time: Lions & Lambs (Ages 2-5)

    Essex Library 33 West Ave, Essex, CT, United States

    Join us for a relaxed, playful story time that helps kids notice how the seasons change. We’ll explore the shift from winter to spring with bold, energetic stories and soft, cozy tales that highlight nature’s changing moods. Join us for themed stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts! We’ll learn early literacy concepts like colors, shapes, opposites, the ABCs and much more, to prepare our pre-school age children for kindergarten. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged to ensure enough crafts are prepared. Click here to register.

    Free

  • Scarecrow Contest sponsored by The Essex Board of Trade

    Recurring
    Essex Village

    The Essex Scarecrow Contest and FestiFall have become a much-loved community tradition, bringing creativity, fun, and local spirit to the Main Streets of Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton each fall! Every year, residents, businesses, and organizations design and build scarecrows to display on lamp posts throughout town. The scarecrows will be on display all October, so stroll the streets, snap photos, and share your favorites! Voting open until October 30th at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

    Free
  • Psychedelic ’60's

    Psychedelic ’60’s at The Gris

    Recurring
    The Griswold Inn 36 Main Street, Essex, United States

    Every Friday, 8:30pm - 12:00am Psychedelic ’60’s, a power trio that pays tribute to the ground-breaking musical super groups of the sixties, plays the Tap Room at The Griswold Inn every Friday night. Take this nostalgic trip and listen to the music of the Kinks, the Beatles, the Animals, Creedence Clearwater Revival... ROCK N' ROLL!

  • Scarecrow Contest sponsored by The Essex Board of Trade

    Recurring
    Essex Village

    The Essex Scarecrow Contest and FestiFall have become a much-loved community tradition, bringing creativity, fun, and local spirit to the Main Streets of Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton each fall! Every year, residents, businesses, and organizations design and build scarecrows to display on lamp posts throughout town. The scarecrows will be on display all October, so stroll the streets, snap photos, and share your favorites! Voting open until October 30th at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

    Free

  • Scarecrow Contest sponsored by The Essex Board of Trade

    Recurring
    Essex Village

    The Essex Scarecrow Contest and FestiFall have become a much-loved community tradition, bringing creativity, fun, and local spirit to the Main Streets of Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton each fall! Every year, residents, businesses, and organizations design and build scarecrows to display on lamp posts throughout town. The scarecrows will be on display all October, so stroll the streets, snap photos, and share your favorites! Voting open until October 30th at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

    Free

  • 5-Week Beginner Italian Class for Adults

    Recurring
    Essex Library 33 West Ave, Essex, CT, United States

    Have you ever wanted to learn Italian? Essex Library presents a 5-week Italian language class for adult beginners that will be led by Middletown Adult Education Instructor Mary Saraceno. Saraceno lived and studied in Sicily for 12 years and has taught Italian since 1994. Participants are encouraged to sign up for all five sessions (March 16, 23, 30 & April 6, 13 at 10:30 AM) where they will learn practical vocabulary and expressions to understand real travel situations and cultural differences. This program is free and open to the public at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. Register online HERE or by calling the library at 860-767-1560.

    Free

  • Scarecrow Contest sponsored by The Essex Board of Trade

    Recurring
    Essex Village

    The Essex Scarecrow Contest and FestiFall have become a much-loved community tradition, bringing creativity, fun, and local spirit to the Main Streets of Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton each fall! Every year, residents, businesses, and organizations design and build scarecrows to display on lamp posts throughout town. The scarecrows will be on display all October, so stroll the streets, snap photos, and share your favorites! Voting open until October 30th at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

    Free

  • Wiggle Worms Story Time (Ages Birth-3)

    Recurring
    Essex Library 33 West Ave, Essex, CT, United States

    A play-based music and movement story time for children and their caregivers! (Ages Birth-3) This story time will take place every Tuesday morning. Join us! No registration required. Due to space, Please choose 1 session per day to attend.

    Free

  • Scarecrow Contest sponsored by The Essex Board of Trade

    Recurring
    Essex Village

    The Essex Scarecrow Contest and FestiFall have become a much-loved community tradition, bringing creativity, fun, and local spirit to the Main Streets of Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton each fall! Every year, residents, businesses, and organizations design and build scarecrows to display on lamp posts throughout town. The scarecrows will be on display all October, so stroll the streets, snap photos, and share your favorites! Voting open until October 30th at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

    Free

  • Tuesday Night Trivia

    Recurring
    Essex Indoor Golf 23 Saybrook Road, Essex, CT, United States

    What’s better than “Taco Tuesday?” Tuesday Nite Trivia at Essex Indoor Golf Center! Join us in our clean, family-friendly atmosphere, against the backdrop of golfers playing courses from around the globe. And yes, you can even combine golf (or mini golf) AND trivia at the same time! Free admission, as well as prizes every week for the ‘smartest smarty pants’ might be enough to get you off the couch on a Tuesday night. Then, declare Tuesdays as a No-Cooking Nite when you order from our fantastic Grumpy Caddy menu, along with our extensive selection of beer, cocktails, and wine from our 35-foot custom bar…Tuesdays might just become your favorite day of the week. So, bring your friends, bring your family, bring your friends’ families! Call (959) 265-8979 or visit essexindoorgolf.com

    Free

  • Sensory Playtime (Ages Birth-5)

    Recurring
    Essex Library 33 West Ave, Essex, CT, United States

    Join us for a hands-on, child-led play session designed to engage the senses! Sensory Playtime encourages exploration, creativity, and early learning through touch, sound, and movement. Kids are invited to move from station to station, at their own pace, to scoop, squish, pour, and play with a variety of textures and materials in a safe, supportive space alongside their caregivers. This program supports sensory development, fine motor skills, and social interaction—come play, learn, and make a (little) mess with us! Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Program funded in part by the Community Foundation of Middlesex County, and made possible by the GSB Grant Making Fund, and the Whelen Family Fund. Registration is required for each individual session. Click here to register.

    Free

  • Scarecrow Contest sponsored by The Essex Board of Trade

    Recurring
    Essex Village

    The Essex Scarecrow Contest and FestiFall have become a much-loved community tradition, bringing creativity, fun, and local spirit to the Main Streets of Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton each fall! Every year, residents, businesses, and organizations design and build scarecrows to display on lamp posts throughout town. The scarecrows will be on display all October, so stroll the streets, snap photos, and share your favorites! Voting open until October 30th at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

    Free

  • Scarecrow Contest sponsored by The Essex Board of Trade

    Recurring
    Essex Village

    The Essex Scarecrow Contest and FestiFall have become a much-loved community tradition, bringing creativity, fun, and local spirit to the Main Streets of Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton each fall! Every year, residents, businesses, and organizations design and build scarecrows to display on lamp posts throughout town. The scarecrows will be on display all October, so stroll the streets, snap photos, and share your favorites! Voting open until October 30th at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

    Free

  • Book Talk with Author James R. Benn and Audiobook Narrator Peter Berkrot (Virtual)

    Online

    Don’t miss Award-winning Author James R. Benn as he discusses the latest installment in his Billy Boyle Mystery series, A Bitter Wind, in conversation with Audiobook Narrator Peter Berkrot, a 2018 winner of the Voice Arts Awards for Best Voice. A Bitter Wind (2025) is a suspenseful foray into the cutthroat world of espionage during WWII. This program is FREE and open to the public. This is a virtual program. REGISTER HERE for the Zoom link or call the library to register at 860-767-1560. About James R. Benn: James R. Benn is the author of the Billy Boyle World War II mysteries. The debut, Billy Boyle, was selected as a Top Five book of the year by Book Sense and was a Dilys Award nominee, A Blind Goddess was longlisted for the IMPAC Dublin Literary Award, The Rest Is Silence was a Barry Award nominee, and The Devouring was a Macavity Award nominee. Benn, a former librarian, lives on the Gulf Coast of Florida with his wife, Deborah Mandel. About Peter Berkrot: A veteran of stage and screen, Peter Berkrot's career spans four decades. Highlights include feature roles in Caddyshack and Show-time's Brotherhood, and appearances on “America's Most Wanted” and “Unsolved Mysteries.” His voice can be heard on television, radio, video games, documentaries and industrials. A Bitter Wind: Christmas Day 1944: After […]

    Free

  • Scarecrow Contest sponsored by The Essex Board of Trade

    Recurring
    Essex Village

    The Essex Scarecrow Contest and FestiFall have become a much-loved community tradition, bringing creativity, fun, and local spirit to the Main Streets of Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton each fall! Every year, residents, businesses, and organizations design and build scarecrows to display on lamp posts throughout town. The scarecrows will be on display all October, so stroll the streets, snap photos, and share your favorites! Voting open until October 30th at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

    Free
  • Psychedelic ’60's

    Psychedelic ’60’s at The Gris

    Recurring
    The Griswold Inn 36 Main Street, Essex, United States

    Every Friday, 8:30pm - 12:00am Psychedelic ’60’s, a power trio that pays tribute to the ground-breaking musical super groups of the sixties, plays the Tap Room at The Griswold Inn every Friday night. Take this nostalgic trip and listen to the music of the Kinks, the Beatles, the Animals, Creedence Clearwater Revival... ROCK N' ROLL!

  • Volunteer Expo 2026

    Essex Library 33 West Ave, Essex, CT, United States

    Are you looking for volunteer opportunities in the community? Join us at Essex Library from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. for our second annual Non-Profit Volunteer Expo to meet and connect with representatives from local non-profits. Discover what local organizations are doing for the community and learn how you might join them, including: Connecticut River Museum Essex Art Association Essex Board of Trade Essex Fire Department Essex Garden Club Essex Historical Society Essex Library Essex Veterans Memorial Hall Ivoryton Library Sister Cities Essex Haiti Tri-Town Youth Services The 2026 Essex Library Non-Profit Volunteer Expo is FREE and open to the public at 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. No registration necessary, drop-in!

    Free

  • Scarecrow Contest sponsored by The Essex Board of Trade

    Recurring
    Essex Village

    The Essex Scarecrow Contest and FestiFall have become a much-loved community tradition, bringing creativity, fun, and local spirit to the Main Streets of Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton each fall! Every year, residents, businesses, and organizations design and build scarecrows to display on lamp posts throughout town. The scarecrows will be on display all October, so stroll the streets, snap photos, and share your favorites! Voting open until October 30th at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

    Free

  • Scarecrow Contest sponsored by The Essex Board of Trade

    Recurring
    Essex Village

    The Essex Scarecrow Contest and FestiFall have become a much-loved community tradition, bringing creativity, fun, and local spirit to the Main Streets of Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton each fall! Every year, residents, businesses, and organizations design and build scarecrows to display on lamp posts throughout town. The scarecrows will be on display all October, so stroll the streets, snap photos, and share your favorites! Voting open until October 30th at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

    Free

  • 5-Week Beginner Italian Class for Adults

    Recurring
    Essex Library 33 West Ave, Essex, CT, United States

    Have you ever wanted to learn Italian? Essex Library presents a 5-week Italian language class for adult beginners that will be led by Middletown Adult Education Instructor Mary Saraceno. Saraceno lived and studied in Sicily for 12 years and has taught Italian since 1994. Participants are encouraged to sign up for all five sessions (March 16, 23, 30 & April 6, 13 at 10:30 AM) where they will learn practical vocabulary and expressions to understand real travel situations and cultural differences. This program is free and open to the public at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. Register online HERE or by calling the library at 860-767-1560.

    Free

  • Scarecrow Contest sponsored by The Essex Board of Trade

    Recurring
    Essex Village

    The Essex Scarecrow Contest and FestiFall have become a much-loved community tradition, bringing creativity, fun, and local spirit to the Main Streets of Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton each fall! Every year, residents, businesses, and organizations design and build scarecrows to display on lamp posts throughout town. The scarecrows will be on display all October, so stroll the streets, snap photos, and share your favorites! Voting open until October 30th at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

    Free

  • Wiggle Worms Story Time (Ages Birth-3)

    Recurring
    Essex Library 33 West Ave, Essex, CT, United States

    A play-based music and movement story time for children and their caregivers! (Ages Birth-3) This story time will take place every Tuesday morning. Join us! No registration required. Due to space, Please choose 1 session per day to attend.

    Free

  • Scarecrow Contest sponsored by The Essex Board of Trade

    Recurring
    Essex Village

    The Essex Scarecrow Contest and FestiFall have become a much-loved community tradition, bringing creativity, fun, and local spirit to the Main Streets of Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton each fall! Every year, residents, businesses, and organizations design and build scarecrows to display on lamp posts throughout town. The scarecrows will be on display all October, so stroll the streets, snap photos, and share your favorites! Voting open until October 30th at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

    Free

  • Virtual Author Talk: America’s Failed Response to the Opioid Crisis with Shoshana Walter

    Essex Library 33 West Ave, Essex, CT, United States

    Join us for a special conversation between award-winning journalist Shoshana Walter and bestselling and award-winning author Barbara Kingsolver as they chat about Walter’s book Rehab: An American Scandal, presented by Essex Library Association. In this work, Walter, a Pulitzer finalist, exposes the country’s failed response to the opioid crisis, and the malfeasance, corruption, and snake oil which blight the drug rehabilitation industry. For more information, call the Essex Library at 860-767-1560. Register HERE. 

    Free

  • Tuesday Night Trivia

    Recurring
    Essex Indoor Golf 23 Saybrook Road, Essex, CT, United States

    What’s better than “Taco Tuesday?” Tuesday Nite Trivia at Essex Indoor Golf Center! Join us in our clean, family-friendly atmosphere, against the backdrop of golfers playing courses from around the globe. And yes, you can even combine golf (or mini golf) AND trivia at the same time! Free admission, as well as prizes every week for the ‘smartest smarty pants’ might be enough to get you off the couch on a Tuesday night. Then, declare Tuesdays as a No-Cooking Nite when you order from our fantastic Grumpy Caddy menu, along with our extensive selection of beer, cocktails, and wine from our 35-foot custom bar…Tuesdays might just become your favorite day of the week. So, bring your friends, bring your family, bring your friends’ families! Call (959) 265-8979 or visit essexindoorgolf.com

    Free

  • Sensory Playtime (Ages Birth-5)

    Recurring
    Essex Library 33 West Ave, Essex, CT, United States

    Join us for a hands-on, child-led play session designed to engage the senses! Sensory Playtime encourages exploration, creativity, and early learning through touch, sound, and movement. Kids are invited to move from station to station, at their own pace, to scoop, squish, pour, and play with a variety of textures and materials in a safe, supportive space alongside their caregivers. This program supports sensory development, fine motor skills, and social interaction—come play, learn, and make a (little) mess with us! Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Program funded in part by the Community Foundation of Middlesex County, and made possible by the GSB Grant Making Fund, and the Whelen Family Fund. Registration is required for each individual session. Click here to register.

    Free

  • Scarecrow Contest sponsored by The Essex Board of Trade

    Recurring
    Essex Village

    The Essex Scarecrow Contest and FestiFall have become a much-loved community tradition, bringing creativity, fun, and local spirit to the Main Streets of Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton each fall! Every year, residents, businesses, and organizations design and build scarecrows to display on lamp posts throughout town. The scarecrows will be on display all October, so stroll the streets, snap photos, and share your favorites! Voting open until October 30th at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

    Free

  • Scarecrow Contest sponsored by The Essex Board of Trade

    Recurring
    Essex Village

    The Essex Scarecrow Contest and FestiFall have become a much-loved community tradition, bringing creativity, fun, and local spirit to the Main Streets of Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton each fall! Every year, residents, businesses, and organizations design and build scarecrows to display on lamp posts throughout town. The scarecrows will be on display all October, so stroll the streets, snap photos, and share your favorites! Voting open until October 30th at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

    Free

  • Quilting as Art: An Illustrated Talk with Artist Theresa Marchant-Shapiro

    Essex Library 33 West Ave, Essex, CT, United States

    In this 30-minute illustrated talk, Essex Library’s March Artist of the Month, Theresa Marchant-Shapiro, will delve into her artistic process as a collage quilter and highlight notable artists that used similar forms of art for political expression. Marchant-Shapiro’s creative use of textiles takes quilting to a new level from practical craft to stunning visual works. This program is free and open to the public at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. Register HERE or by calling the library at 860-767-1560. ABOUT THERESA MARCHANT-SHAPIRO Theresa Marchant—Shapiro is Assistant Professor of Political Science at Southern Connecticut State University. She teaches courses in leadership and mass political behavior. ARTISTS’ STATEMENT As an educator, knowledge is central to my identity and my interaction with the world. When I teach, I feel like I create a tapestry using the threads of my students' lives to color my planned design. My hope is that the knowledge I share allows my students to surmount the mountains that can form barriers, but can also unveil beautiful vistas.

    Free

  • Scarecrow Contest sponsored by The Essex Board of Trade

    Recurring
    Essex Village

    The Essex Scarecrow Contest and FestiFall have become a much-loved community tradition, bringing creativity, fun, and local spirit to the Main Streets of Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton each fall! Every year, residents, businesses, and organizations design and build scarecrows to display on lamp posts throughout town. The scarecrows will be on display all October, so stroll the streets, snap photos, and share your favorites! Voting open until October 30th at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

    Free
  • Psychedelic ’60's

    Psychedelic ’60’s at The Gris

    Recurring
    The Griswold Inn 36 Main Street, Essex, United States

    Every Friday, 8:30pm - 12:00am Psychedelic ’60’s, a power trio that pays tribute to the ground-breaking musical super groups of the sixties, plays the Tap Room at The Griswold Inn every Friday night. Take this nostalgic trip and listen to the music of the Kinks, the Beatles, the Animals, Creedence Clearwater Revival... ROCK N' ROLL!

  • Essex Eggstravaganza Egg Hunt

    Essex Town Hall 29 West Avenue, Essex, United States

    Essex Park & Rec is so excited to announce that the Essex Eggstravaganza Egg Hunt is on March 28th. Join us for story time with the Easter Bunny at 9:15 at the Essex Town Hall Auditorium – take pics with the Easter Bunny and then the egg hunt at Grove Street Park starting promptly at 10am. The Egg hunt is geared toward younger children birth to grade 3 and we ask that you pre register for this event. Pre-register here!

  • Nostalgic Toys and Tech Expo

    Essex Historical Society 22 Prospect Street, Essex, CT, United States

    The Nostalgic Toys and Tech Expo will take place at Essex Library on Saturday, March 28, from 10:00 a.m. to noon. As part of EHS’s America 250 celebrations, and in partnership with Essex Library, this free, family-friendly community event celebrates the toys, games, and everyday technologies of the past fifty years, with a special focus on the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. Visitors of all ages will have the opportunity to explore and interact with familiar favorites—from classic board games and beloved dolls to early video game systems, music players, and novelty gadgets—many of which today’s children will be experiencing for the very first time. The Expo is just one of many of EHS programs this year marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. By highlighting objects from the decades since the Bicentennial, this fun event explores how everyday toys and technologies reflect changing American life, culture, and innovation. Together, these items help tell the story of the most recent chapters of our nation’s history—reminding us that the road to 250 years of independence is shaped as much by shared childhood experiences as by historic milestones. Those interested in getting involved with the event, either through participation or support, are encouraged to contact the […]

    Free